Ergonomic Snow Removal Implement

ABSTRACT

An ergonomic snow removal implement incorporates a structure which provides an efficient flexure of the implement during the lifting and releasing of the load. In addition, the load carrying portion of the implement is specifically designed to provide a reduced area and consequently, a self limit to the load of each shoveling action.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/465,010 filed Mar. 14, 2011.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to implements for shoveling snow and similar materials. More particularly, this disclosure relates to ergonomic implements which are designed to facilitate safe usage and prevent injuries due to physical stress resulting from usage.

It is a well-established fact that every year, there are numerous injuries—and sometimes even deaths—resulting from the shoveling of snow. For example, the Providence Journal, in a Feb. 1, 2011 article, reported that 12,000 deaths occur each year as a result of heart attacks suffered while shoveling snow. Furthermore, the magnitude of muscular and skeletal injuries incurred due to shoveling snow is enormous.

Many of the efforts to counter the very dangerous and adverse effects of shoveling snow have centered on enlisting the use of power equipment and/or physically fit shovelers who have a physique more adapted to the exertion and physical requirements for shoveling snow. Such efforts have not successfully addressed the reality that regardless of the warnings and dangers, individuals are, for numerous reasons, prone to ignore the risks and shovel snow.

SUMMARY

Briefly stated, an ergonomic snow removal implement comprises an elongated handle and a blade unit which is mounted to the handle. The blade unit is semi-flexible and has a generally triangular shape. A fulcrum is disposed in an intermediate position of the blade unit. The implement functions so that a load applied to the blade unit causes the blade unit to flex about the fulcrum and resiliently spring back to a non-flex configuration when the load is removed.

The handle is preferably semi-flexible. In one embodiment, the handle is bamboo. The blade unit comprises a distal plough member and a plurality of tines connecting the plough member. The tines are also attached to the handle. The tines converge in overlapping fashion and form an apex. In one embodiment, the tines are attached to the handle by a band connector. The fulcrum comprises a cross-piece which extends transversely relative to the handle.

An ergonomic snow removal implement, in one embodiment, comprises an elongated semi-flexible handle defining a longitudinal axis. A blade unit comprises a plurality of tines disposed in a fan-shaped, generally triangular configuration with an apex portion being attached to the handle and a base portion mounting a plough member extending transversely to said longitudinal axis. A fulcrum is disposed at an intermediate location of the blade unit and is attached to the handle. A load applied to the blade unit causes the blade unit to flex about the fulcrum. When the load is removed, the blade unit springs back to the non-flex configuration.

The fulcrum comprises a cross-piece generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The handle is formed from bamboo. The plough member, in one embodiment, has a generally trapezoidal shape and, in another embodiment, has a rectangular shape. The plough member is fastened to each of the tines. In one embodiment, the implement employs nine tines, and a second cross-piece is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the handle and attaches to the first cross-piece to sandwich the tines between the cross-pieces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of an ergonomic snow removal implement with the implement being oriented in an upright position;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a second embodiment of an ergonomic snow removal implement;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the ergonomic snow removal implement of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary rear elevational view of a third embodiment of an ergonomic snow removal implement; and

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the ergonomic snow removal implement of FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several Figures, an ergonomic snow removal implement is generally designated by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1. The implement has an ergonomic design which essentially automatically limits the load and thus provides a safe limit to the level of cardiovascular exertion of the user. In addition, the implement 10 efficiently exploits a designed resilience to facilitate the unloading phase during usage and to thus limit the physical stress exerted on the user.

The implement 10 comprises an elongated handle 20 which mounts a fan-shaped blade assembly 30. The handle 20 is preferably formed of wood or other suitable material and is dimensioned to allow the user to assume and maintain a relatively upright posture while using the implement to, for example, remove snow. In one embodiment, the handle 20 is formed from bamboo or other similar semi-flexible, quasi-rigid material. The handle 20 has sufficient integrity to apply leverage for the lifting and unloading phases of the shoveling action while also having a length of sufficient dimension for pushing loads along a surface, if desired.

The blade assembly 30 comprises a plurality of tines 31-39 which converge for joining in overlapping fashion at an apex 40 and outwardly diverge to form a relatively straight base in a configuration which is essentially triangular in shape and specifically preferably in the form an isosceles triangle. In one example, the width of the tines 31-39 is uniform and is on the order of 25 mm, although other variations are clearly possible. The length of the tines 31-39 is a function of the desired length and base of the blade assembly. In one example, a 42 cm base requires outer tines having approximately the same length from the base to the apex 40. It will be appreciated that the lengths of the tines 31-39 decrease as a function of the proximity to the center longitudinal line. In addition, the number of tines may vary.

A solid plough board 50 connects the tines 31-39 at the base of the configuration and extends from side to side toward the apex 40. The plough board 50 may have a trapezoidal-type form. In some embodiments (FIGS. 2-5), a rectangular form is employed. The plough board 50 is secured to each of the tines by rivets 52, threaded fasteners, adhesives, lashings or other fastening means. The plough board 50 functions to provide an anchoring mechanism for the tines 31-39 for fixedly securing same as well as to provide a platform that prevents material from falling through the spaces between the tines near the base of the blade assembly. Alternatively, the plough board may comprise a pair of members disposed on opposite sides of the tines in a sandwich-type arrangement. The plough board may be a wood, metal, plastic or other suitable material.

A pair of cross-pieces 60 and 62 (only cross-piece 60 illustrated in FIG. 1) is located between the apex and the plough board 50 and is dimensioned and positioned to sandwich the tines 31-39. In one embodiment, the cross-pieces are located from the apex a distance which is approximately ⅓ the distance of the blade assembly from the apex to the base of the plough board. Cross-piece 60 is directly connected to the handle 20 by a fastener 22. Various fasteners 64 may be employed to connect the cross-pieces 60, 62 together. In one form, a pair of opposed twisted wires connect the cross-pieces. The cross-pieces function as a fulcrum for the tines, as will be further described below so that when a load is applied to the blade assembly 30, the blade assembly 30 will resiliently flex about the cross-piece 60, which is attached to the handle.

Alternatively, the tines below the cross-piece 60 may be split into two, three, four or more sectors which extend from the cross-piece to the plough board. In this embodiment, the plough board must be glued to the ends of the tines or a pair of plough board members are employed at opposed sides of the ends. In this latter embodiment, the plough board members may be fastened to the ends of the tines by adhesive and the pair of members may be joined to each other at extreme end portions by rivets or other types of fasteners.

The upper portion of the tines 31-39 forms an overlapping array about the apex 40. A band-type connector 24 encircles the overlapping tines and wraps around the handle for securing the tines to the handle. In one form, lashings, twisted wire or other band clamp or band connector arrangement may be employed.

The ergonomic snow removal implement 10 is employed so that the plough board 50 and blade assembly 30 engage under the snow to be lifted. As the snow is lifted, the blade assembly flexes slightly about the cross-piece 60. The flexure force is essentially provided by the interplay of the gravity and the flexure of the tines 31-39. As the implement stops at the far extent of its arc-like travel, the resilient blade assembly returns to a normal flexure state from the deflected flexure state created under the force for which it has been downwardly deflected. The snow springs toward its intended destination with a reduced application of human effort as compared to a fixed, rigid-type snow blade.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, snow removal implement 10A differs from implement 10 by virtue of the plough board 50A which is rectangular in shape. Plough board 50A has generally the same length and width dimensions as plough board 50.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, implement 10B is substantially the same as implements 10 and 10A except for the plough board configuration of plough board 50B. Plough board 50B has a narrower strip-like form with a generally rectangular shape.

It should be appreciated that for some embodiments, the handle may extend beyond the cross-pieces 60 and terminate at an intermediate portion of the blade assembly. Alternatively, if the handle is sufficiently flexible, the handle may extend to connect with the plough board.

The implements 10, 10A and 10B also provide a significant biomechanical advantage. The transfer of weight onto the musco-skeletal system of the shallow blade is gradual because the flexure of the blade assembly causes the load to lie in an inert condition until the force applied to it reaches the force required to raise the load. The initial force applied to the implement to flex the tines and the additional force bends the tines further until they are fully deflected in a quantum of force. The handle 20 may also provide a more limited degree of flexure. The application of force is gradual throughout the lifting action. The quantum of force used to ultimately lift the load from the point of full deflection of the tines off of the ground or surface is small in comparison with the change in force required when a rigid platform or blade of similar dimensions serves to lift the load. There is also a smooth gradual transition from rest to full effort instead of a jerking, disruptive, discontinuous-type action when the load is engaged in its entirety and when it is wrenched free from the ground. The beneficial effect of this flexure design on the human body is akin to the reduction of wear and tear on an automobile when acceleration and deceleration are gradual.

In addition, the fan-like, triangular geometrical shape of the blade assembly 30 essentially provides a smaller area of snow to be lifted than a corresponding rectangular design because of the smaller area for a given effective footprint. Thus, the loads will be naturally reduced. The shoveling of snow becomes a light, aerobic exercise with cardiovascular heart rates well within the target zone for strengthening cardiovascular efficiency. In addition, lighter loads plus a significant alignment reduce or eliminate muscle strains and provide a highly efficient snow removal implement. 

1. A snow removal implement comprising: an elongated handle; a blade unit mounted to said handle, said blade unit being semi-flexible and having a generally triangular shape; and a fulcrum disposed at an intermediate position of said blade unit, wherein a load applied to said blade unit causes said blade unit to flex about said fulcrum and resiliently return to a non-flexed configuration when said load is removed.
 2. The snow removal implement of claim 1 wherein said handle is semi-flexible.
 3. The snow removal implement of claim 2 wherein said handle is bamboo.
 4. The snow removal implement of claim 1 wherein said blade unit comprises a distal plough member and a plurality of tines connecting said plough member and attached to said handle.
 5. The snow removal implement of claim 1 wherein said tines converge in overlapping fashion to form an apex and said tines are attached to said handle.
 6. The snow removal implement of claim 1 wherein said tines are attached to said handle by a band connector.
 7. The snow removal implement of claim 1 wherein said fulcrum comprises a cross-piece which extends transversely relative to said handle.
 8. A snow removal implement comprising: an elongated semi-flexible handle defining a longitudinal axis; a blade unit comprising a plurality of tines disposed in a fan-shaped, generally triangular configuration with an apex portion being attached to said handle and a base portion mounting a plough member extending transversely to said longitudinal axis; a fulcrum disposed at an intermediate location of said blade unit and attached to said handle, wherein when a load is applied to said blade unit, said blade unit flexes about said fulcrum, and when said load is removed, said blade unit springs back to a non-flexed configuration.
 9. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein said fulcrum comprises a cross-piece disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said handle.
 10. The snow removal implement of claim 9 further comprising a second cross-piece connected to said first piece wherein said cross-pieces sandwich said tines.
 11. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein said handle is formed from bamboo.
 12. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein said plough member has a generally trapezoidal shape.
 13. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein said plough member has a generally rectangular shape.
 14. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein said plough member is fastened to each said tine.
 15. The snow removal implement of claim 8 wherein there are 9 tines. 